10 Best Step Counters 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a strong choice if you're looking for a step-counter that doubles as a full-featured running smartwatch. It offers accurate tracking thanks to its built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate monitor, which helps keep pace and distance measurements reliable. The bright and colorful 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen makes it easy to view your stats and navigate menus, while traditional button controls provide extra convenience during workouts. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and about 19 hours when using GPS continuously, which means less frequent charging even with regular use.

Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth support, allowing you to sync notifications, receive calls and texts, and even listen to music directly from the watch by downloading playlists from popular services like Spotify or Amazon Music—perfect for phone-free workouts. Additional features such as personalized workout suggestions, recovery insights, and safety tracking add real value, especially for runners training for specific events. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it durable enough for most outdoor activities.

On the downside, the screen resolution is modest, which might not appeal to those seeking ultra-sharp displays, and some advanced features require pairing with a smartphone, which could be less convenient for users wanting a fully standalone device. Also, streaming music requires a subscription to third-party services. This smartwatch suits runners and fitness enthusiasts who want accurate step tracking combined with comprehensive training tools, good battery life, and music capabilities on the wrist.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice if you want a running-focused step-counter with smart features. Its built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate monitor provide accurate tracking of pace, distance, and steps, which is key for reliable workout data. The bright AMOLED touchscreen is sharp and colorful, making it easy to read outdoors. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode or 19 hours with GPS active, so it won’t need frequent charging during training or daily use.

Connectivity options like Bluetooth allow smart notifications and Garmin Pay for contactless payments, adding convenience. It also offers personalized training plans and recovery insights that adjust to how you perform, making it a helpful coach on your wrist. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, with a durable design rated for water resistance (IP53), good for everyday wear and light exposure to water but not for deep swimming. Safety features like incident detection require a paired smartphone and network coverage to work, which is something to keep in mind if you run in remote areas.

While it covers many activity types beyond running, its best fit is for runners or fitness enthusiasts who want detailed metrics and motivation. Some users might find the 43 mm size a bit large if they prefer smaller watches. The Garmin Forerunner 165 effectively balances accuracy, useful features, and solid battery life in a user-friendly package for those focused on running and fitness tracking.